Archive for July, 2008

Leaving for Tonga

Wed, Jul 30th, 2008  |   Musings 3 Comments

Pasta is really sick, and I need to leave for Tonga tomorrow…reluctantly.

While I was away, she had a sudden total system collapse, basically a complete loss of body function. Blood tests showed elevated white cell count and high creatinine (among other things), suggesting kidney failure (among other things). The doctor didn’t give her too long. In fact, I didn’t think she’d make it until I got back…but thankfully she hung on.

Since getting back this weekend, I’ve been with her nearly 24/7. She wouldn’t eat anything in the few days leading up to when I got back, but we’ve been able to get her to eat a bit, and even walk for a few metres (with some help). Still, the prognosis is anything but good.

I face the prospect of saying goodbye…probably for good…in less than 24 hours. It’ll be a while before I can write any more about Pasta. Putting thoughts into black-and-white makes things all too real, and much too painful.

Thank you to everyone who’s sent emails and other messages. I deeply appreciate the support.

Lembeh Strait Photography Trip

Tue, Jul 29th, 2008  |   Trips, Workshops 1 Comment

lizardfishAdvance notice: I’m planning a trip to the Lembeh Strait in March 2009, in conjunction with ScubaCam in Singapore and Aquaforum in Japan. It won’t be a formal photography seminar per se (i.e., no classes, scheduled lectures, etc.), but if you join the trip and have questions, I’ll be more than happy to do what I can to help.

I’ll be staying at Kasawari Lembeh Resort, which I’ve visited a couple of times already. The resort is small, exclusive, really comfortable, and 100% geared for photography and videography.

This trip is ideal for people who have a housed SLR and have reasonable experience with underwater photography. Lembeh is an excellent photographic destination, and the focus of the trip will be to go out, get photos and learn from hands-on experience and discussion, not to spend time learning basic concepts.

Tentative dates are 13-21 March, subject to all sorts of unpredictable things.

If this sounds interesting, please contact either ScubaCam or Aquaforum for more details.

Note: Just heard from David at ScubaCam. He’ll be sponsoring a number of prizes for best shots taken during the trip, including an Inon strobe, some macro lenses and a few other goodies. (Hey David, am I allowed to compete for the strobe?)

Article: Mouse Attack

Mon, Jul 28th, 2008  |   Articles, Environment No Comments

This is an editorial (148 kB) that appeared recently in ultraMARINE magazine, a bi-monthly publication in the UK for aquarists. Also downloadable from my iTunes podcast.